Andrene Bamford, Area Officer

I have been an EIS member since I became a teacher in 1995. I was an English teacher, then moved into Support for Learning, then eventually became a PT of Support for Learning in East Dunbartonshire. At this point, I became the school rep, then became involved in the Committee of Management.

I became the LA Secretary for East Dunbartonshire LA in December 2016 and became increasingly involved in the EIS at a national level. I was a member of Council, served on committees, and was an Office Bearer from 2020-2023.

In June, I took up of the post of Area Officer, and this has given me the opportunity to support members further, develop relationships with other local associations, and increase my knowledge of the experiences of our members in colleges and independent schools. I have really loved being part of the EIS staff and welcomed the chance it has given me to support members in a deeper way.

Sheena Beattie, Organiser

I have been a primary teacher from 2008 to 2021, working in schools across Edinburgh and Angus.

Following this, I was the Learning for Sustainability Officer in Angus Council between 2022 and 2025, where I worked across various sectors.

I joined the EIS in August 2025 as an Organiser for the Northeast of Scotland and the Highlands. In my role, I will be working closely with members to help strengthen the union and support them in their workplaces.

For me, working to protect the rights of everyone is incredibly important, and I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my career.

Denise McKenzie, Area Officer

I began my trade union journey while working in public services, quickly becoming active as a branch Equalities Rep, supporting colleagues and I was later appointed as an Area Organiser with UNISON in Edinburgh, working across education and council services.

During this time, I gained significant experience in casework, negotiations, and campaigns, as well as mentoring new reps and developing local organising strategies. I have also been closely involved in wider community initiatives and voluntary organisations, which has reinforced my commitment to community projects and social justice.

In May 2025, I was delighted to be appointed as an Area Officer with the EIS. I am looking forward to building on my experience to support members, reps and local associations, and to contribute to strengthening the collective voice of teachers and lecturers across Scotland.

Terry Gray, National Officer Salaries

I was appointed as a member of the Area Officer team in 2008. Assisting our local associations with negotiations and individual members with serious issues around their working lives was a challenging but hugely rewarding role.

After almost 16 years in this role, I took up a new role as National Officer (Salaries) in the Employment Relations Department last year. In this role I am working closely with the Salaries Committee supporting with the various matters which fall to the committee to progress and with the issues being addressed through the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) and the SNCT working groups where we not only defend conditions of service but also pursue improvements in accordance with EIS policy.

This is a challenging role in a very different way to my previous role but still hugely rewarding.

David Dick, National Officer, Education and Equality (Early Years)

Before joining the EIS as a National Officer, I worked for 20 years as a primary and nursery teacher in various schools and settings across South Lanarkshire.

I was the chair of the EIS LGBT+ subcommittee for 6 years and also represented the EIS on the STUC LGBT+ Workers’ Committee, and chaired it last year.

I was a member of South Lanarkshire EIS committee of management, EIS council and the EIS Equality Committee.

I’m really excited to start my new role as National Officer for Education and Equality, with a focus on early years, poverty and all things education.